2022–23

Building the Connection

The work began before the first puck ever dropped.

Firebirds Street Hockey introduced more than 6,000 local children to the fundamentals of hockey while teaching teamwork, discipline, leadership, and sportsmanship. The program expanded into all three Coachella Valley public school districts, giving students the opportunity to experience a sport that was still new to many families in the desert.

At the same time, Stick to Reading launched with more than 22,000 students from 34 elementary schools. Students were encouraged to strengthen their reading, writing, vocabulary, and comprehension while earning recognition for effort and improvement.

Fuego also began visiting schools and neighborhoods through anti-bullying, health, recreation, and education programs. Partnerships with organizations such as FIND Food Bank established an important principle that continues to guide the Foundation today: hockey may bring us together, but our responsibility reaches far beyond the ice.

2023–24

Turning Fan Energy Into Local Investment

As the Firebirds captured the Valley’s imagination, fans showed that their passion could accomplish something even bigger.

Game-worn jersey auctions, the annual Firebirds Invitational Golf Tournament, special events, donations, and community partnerships became powerful fundraising engines. During the 2023–24 season alone, approximately $800,000 was directed back into the local community.

That support reached organizations working in arts and culture, education, cancer assistance, family services, military and veteran support, LGBTQ+ inclusion, animal welfare, youth sports, and access to hockey.

During the Firebirds’ second annual Pride Night, One Valley Foundation and the team presented Greater Palm Springs Pride with $40,000. These investments reflected the diversity of the Coachella Valley and demonstrated how a night at the arena could create meaningful change long after the final horn.

2024–25

Meeting Real Needs in Real Time

By the third season, the Foundation’s themed jersey auctions had become some of its most recognizable—and most meaningful—community traditions.

Proceeds from the Día de los Muertos Jersey Auction supported the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition’s after-school programs for the children of farmworkers. Funding also eliminated overdue rent for 33 farmworker households and helped cover December rent for 85 farmworkers and their families.

Military Appreciation Night generated more than $111,000 to support local military members and military-focused organizations. That impact included essential food and family supplies for the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms and support for the Bob Hope USO.

Hockey Fights Cancer Night raised $27,527 for continued investment in local cancer organizations and research, while the third edition of the Firebirds’ Ugly Sweater Jersey Auction raised $52,148 to expand local programming.

The Season of Giving brought fans together to collect food for FIND Food Bank, and a newly launched 50/50 Raffle created another way for every fan to participate in the mission. When devastating wildfires struck the Los Angeles region, the Firebirds and One Valley Foundation also responded with a $10,000 contribution and an additional $7,000 raised through an in-game auction.

Each initiative was different, but the purpose remained the same: turn moments of excitement and generosity into help that people could feel in their everyday lives.

2025–26

Building a Foundation for the Future

During its fourth season, One Valley Foundation continued evolving from a collection of successful programs into a stronger, more intentional community institution.

The Foundation expanded its grantmaking process through two annual application cycles and a Community Allocations Committee made up of local voices. Grant partners are now asked to share measurable outcomes, personal stories, and videos that help supporters see where their generosity goes and why it matters.

The 50/50 Raffle became an established part of the Firebirds game-night experience. Community ticket opportunities helped introduce new families to hockey, while school activations, equipment assistance, program scholarships, and inclusive hockey partnerships continued removing barriers to participation.

The annual golf tournament also entered a new chapter through a partnership with Hockey Hall of Famer Grant Fuhr and the Grant Fuhr Foundation, expanding support for youth sports, equipment, access programs, and character development.

New volunteer and community-engagement opportunities brought more people directly into the work, while grants and partnerships continued supporting education, mental and emotional well-being, housing stability, food access, inclusion, independence, animal welfare, youth development, and stronger community connections.

In June 2026, the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce named One Valley Foundation its Non-Profit of the Year—recognition of what Firebirds fans, community partners, volunteers, and donors had built together in just four seasons.